A recent WalletHub study evaluated the best places across the United States to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Researchers compared the 100 largest U.S. cities using 23 metrics — including number of florists, weather on Valentine’s Day and dining costs — and ranked each city based on its overall Valentine’s Day appeal. San Francisco earned the top spot as the best destination to spend the holiday.
The rest of the top 10 cities, in order, are: San Diego, Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago, New York, Portland, Seattle, Honolulu and Los Angeles.
The study also highlighted several notable city-specific findings. Los Angeles has the highest average ticket prices for Valentine’s Day events, while Omaha has the lowest. Detroit ranks highest for the most expensive three-course meals for two, compared with Fremont, which offers the most affordable three-course meals. New York stands out for the most jewelry stores per capita and the most florists per capita. San Francisco leads for the greatest number of chocolate shops per capita, and Henderson, Nevada, has the best weather forecast for Valentine’s Day.
Beyond city rankings, the WalletHub report examined national spending and consumer behavior. On average, Americans spend about $143.56 on Valentine’s Day, and total U.S. spending is projected at $19.5 billion this year. Of that total, approximately $3.7 billion is expected to be spent by the 35 percent of couples who plan a Valentine’s Day date; the average cost of those dates is $170.53. A little more than one-third of shoppers buy gifts at discount stores. Men tend to spend roughly twice as much as women on Valentine’s purchases. Candy and chocolate remain popular: 94 percent of respondents said they want to receive candy or chocolate for the holiday.
Despite strong preferences for certain gifts, many adults plan not to celebrate: 45 percent of those surveyed said they do not intend to observe Valentine’s Day. Still, the holiday carries emotional stakes for many — 53 percent of women reported they would consider ending a relationship if they did not receive a gift on Valentine’s Day. The report also noted that an estimated 9 million marriage proposals are expected to take place this Wednesday.
Overall, the WalletHub study offers a useful snapshot of where Valentine’s Day experiences, costs and consumer preferences are concentrated across the country. Whether you’re seeking romantic weather, abundant florists, affordable dining or a lively nightlife, the rankings and metrics can help couples and planners choose the best city for their celebration.